Washington State Department of Commerce official news and information. Our mission is to strengthen communities in our state. RTs & follows ≠ endorsement
Have you checked your mailbox lately? 📬
Tax forms are arriving, and so is your chance to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit!
Don’t be part of the 20% who miss out on these funds every year!
Check your eligibility and claim what’s yours: heyor.ca/LDXReN
Making Things Happen for Affordable Housing: Today we announced, along with @WAComDirector and @WAStateCommerce, $14.6M in grants to support shovel-ready housing projects that will create more than 1,800 affordable units in 10 counties. Read more: governor.wa.gov/news/2025/ma…
To our community partners: Federal funding is flowing again after the White House rescinded the freeze. If you have federal funding from Commerce, please continue your programs and services as usual. We'll reach out if there are future actions or orders that impact your programs.
There is no current impact to state-funded programs.
Our commitment is to share news and updates as soon as we receive new information. The work you do in communities across Washington is incredibly important.
commerce.wa.gov/update-on-om…
We've announced investments of $17.95 million to create affordable homeownership opportunities for 168 low-income households. Today, Habitat For Humanity of East Jefferson Co. celebrated with one family in at their new home made possible in part by an affordability subsidy.
ALT A group of people stands outside a newly constructed house, smiling and holding signs. The image includes text on the left side announcing a $18 million investment by the Washington State Department of Commerce to enhance homeownership opportunities through various funded projects across Washington.
We awarded $2.4M to help launch an innovative solar panel project at the WSU Sunrise Research Orchard near Wenatchee. The project aims to harmonize solar power generation with apple production to boost harvests.
Learn more about the project: heyor.ca/7I0zHp
ICYMI: Commerce announced 27 state and federal funding awards that will help finance affordable housing construction and rehabilitation in 12 counties, resulting in 1,282 new units.
Read the full announcement: commerce.wa.gov/commerce-ann…
ALT A construction site with a partially built structure is shown on the right. On the left, there is a text box detailing an announcement about funding for over 1,200 affordable housing units statewide. The logo of the Washington State Department of Commerce is displayed at the bottom.
Commerce today announced 26 grants aimed at reducing emissions, enhancing the comfort of building occupants, and improving the cost efficiency of public building operations.
Read more: commerce.wa.gov/commerce-gra…
ALT A worker in a hard hat and safety gear inspects ductwork in a building. The image is part of a news release about over $14 million in Commerce grants for energy efficiency retrofits in public buildings, funded by the Climate Commitment Act to assist building owners in meeting state standards.
Former state senator Joe Nguyễn joins Commerce today as @WAComDirector to lead our team that's entrusted with 100 diverse programs focused on strengthening WA communities.
Sign up for director email updates: heyor.ca/W02nWE
Read more: commerce.wa.gov/former-state…
ALT Image features a professional portrait of Joe Nguyễn as he begins his role as the director of the Washington State Department of Commerce. The image includes text highlighting his commitment to improving customer service and supporting communities. The agency logo is visible in the top left corner.
Kalispel Tribe of Indians Chairman Glen Nenema and former Commerce director Mike Fong recently signed a memorandum of understanding, marking an important step in establishing gov-to-gov relations.
Read more: commerce.wa.gov/kalispel-tri…
ALT A news release graphic featuring a purple Camas flower on the right side and text on the left. The text announces a memorandum of understanding between the Kalispel Tribe and Commerce for government relations, noting it as the fifth such agreement in Washington state.
Interested in the electrification of transportation? Commerce and WSDOT are hosting the Interagency Electric Vehicle Coordinating Council meeting from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16.
Register to join on Zoom: heyor.ca/MGizPM
Watch live on TVW: heyor.ca/8Q9j9N
ALT Graphic promoting the Electric Vehicle Coordinating Council interagency meeting hosted by the Washington State Department of Commerce. The event is scheduled for Thursday, January 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. Background features illustrations of electric vehicles and city elements.
Commerce & the WA State Housing Finance Commission released a recent report on efforts to stabilize rents for tenants in state-funded affordable housing. It highlights ongoing challenges & offers draft strategies to mitigate the rent burden on residents.
commerce.wa.gov/report-on-st…
ALT A news release graphic for the Washington State Department of Commerce. The left side includes a summary of a report on state-funded affordable housing, discussing challenges and strategies to assist those struggling with rent. A modern apartment building is displayed on the right.
$1.2B in federal Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment funding is available to close the digital divide & improve access for underserved WA communities. Projects must serve areas identified and approved through the BEAD process.
Applications due Jan. 31
commerce.wa.gov/funding/broa…
What does environmental justice look like in action?
The EV Charging Program awarded $100M to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure across WA, supporting cleaner, greener communities. Explore the funding dashboard to see awards and new chargers: waevcharging.org/dashboard
We’re looking for a third-party administrator for the Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebate programs, which will provide rebates to low- and moderate-income households for energy efficiency retrofits and electrification. Apply by March 3.
Lean more: heyor.ca/oCv6Ld
ALT Request for Proposals notice from the Washington State Department of Commerce for a for a third-party rebate administrator for the Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebate programs. Deadline for applications is Monday, March 3, by 4 p.m. The document includes the department logo and website link.
The City of Renton was awarded a Governor Smart Communities Award.
The Renton Housing Authority, city of Renton, JP Morgan Chase Bank, King County, and the Washington State Housing Finance Commission all partnered to complete the project in April 2024.
youtu.be/gOAZQZ_syKk
The City of Bellevue was awarded 2 Governor Smart Communities Awards.
With a partnership between @kingcountyparks & @bellevuewa, the Eastrail Wilburton Framework Plan won the Judges Merit Award! Plus, Bellevue’s 0.1% tax is driving housing stability.
heyor.ca/pp4qEO
Did you know? Nearly 55% of funding under WA’s HEAL Act supports overburdened, vulnerable communities & tribes.
Explore the HEAL dashboard to see how 5,600 projects are reducing pollution, creating environmental benefits, & tackling health disparities: ofm.wa.gov/budget/budget-rel…
Commerce recently awarded @snocounty & @SnoCoPW with a 2024 Governor’s Smart Community Award for the Little Bear Creek Advance Mitigation Site.
This $4.2 million, 17-acre wetland project is revolutionizing transportation planning.
Watch the full story: youtu.be/av-5nlVHuDk